Spin The Bottle

20: Surprise, Surprise

Okay . There are THREE things I discovered while writing this chapter .

1) I LOVE that song on the side !!! It is my favorite !!!! I listened to that song about a hundred times.

2) My baby Emma is REALLY growing up !!! *sobs uncontrollably*

3) I HATE THE NAME ASHLYN !!! Really ?!!? What was I thinking when I picked that name?!!?!! Oh that's right ! I wasn't ! But seriously ??? Why couldn't I go for something like .... Ginger. Or Alice ? Why Ashlyn ?? That's not even a normal name !

Okay so that's it ... I know you guys are just DYING to know who it is ... Some of you are just gonna scream and then back away from the computer and start getting down with yourselves real good . JUST SAYIN !

....................

I stared at those eyes, with a look of terror on my face. She mirrored my actions, only she seemed much more composed. I couldn't believe it. Satan's kid sister was standing at my front door! We continued to stare, and I muttered the only word I could seem to get out.

"Ashlyn."

After a minute or so, her shocked expression, turned into a sly smirk. She came closer to the door, her brown and beige zebra stripped roll along in tow, and a matching hand bag to go with it.

"You..." I pointed at her accusingly and she sighed. "You knew about this. Didn't you?" She shrugged.

"No. Not particularly," she said, brushing past me and letting herself in. "but now that I do, I'll admit. These next few days will be a blast." She turned back slightly to face me. The left corner of her mouth raising up higher. I couldn't help but notice how perfectly she put on her red lipstick.

At first I just stood there, staring out the door thinking 'did she just push me?' Then I just shook my head, and closed the door.

I turned around to face her with my arms crossed over my chest. "I thought you were gonna be someone else! Someone less irritating!" I started and she rolled her eyes.

"And I thought you were gonna be a really hot guy," she flopped herself on the couch, my eyes widened. Typical. "so perhaps, in disappointment we are greatly matched." She smiled that evil smile of hers and I rolled my eyes.

"Whatever. I'm going to bed." I started to walk away and she stood up.

"Aren't you forgetting something!?" This time it was my turn to smirk. I turned to face her and saw that she was pointing to herself.

"Nope," I said with a huge smile plastered on my face. "find your own room. Or if you're too lazy, you can always introduce yourself to the couch." With that being said, I waved, and headed up the stairs.

I eventually made it to my room, shutting the door behind me. This is absurd, ridiculous, crazy, bizarre, insane, and preposterous! I wanted to yell at the top of my lungs! I cannot believe that my mom did this! Out of all the stupid, annoying things she's done. This has offed the chart!

I almost pulled my hair out thinking about it. Then I realized I was getting a headache so I stopped.

I took a long, shaky breath, trying to calm myself down. It's okay. It'll be okay. Three days. That's all. How hard can it be? We'll be at school most of the time. So it doesn't matter. I laughed nervously to myself, and then removed my ankle high, lace up boots, and the white dress that I was wearing all day.

I sighed, trying to calm my nerves. This has been one helluva day. All I wanted to do was shower and go to sleep.

I let my hair down, and went to my bathroom. Turning on the shower, I heard a loud thump coming from the hallway. I sighed in annoyance, putting on my robe.

I walked out to the hallway and saw Ashlyn limping towards my door. I stared at her confused, and slightly amused at the sight. She stopped in front of me with a scowl on her face.

"Do you know," she started, while dropping her bags, and pulling off one of her shoes. "this shoe cost me 60 bucks. You're gonna pay for that." I took the shoe from her, and noticed that the heel was broken. Then looked back up at her. She was staring at me angrily, with her arms folded and I shrugged.

"What happened?"

"I almost fell down the stairs, that's what happened!" She yelled, and my eyes widened.

"So why do I have to pay for it?"

"Because this is your house Emma! And you left me!" I rolled my eyes, and sighed.

"Ashlyn, I left the shower running. I don't have time for this. The guest room is down the hall." She scoffed.

"Oh I've been in the guest room! There is no way. In. HELL. I'll be sleeping in there! There isn't enough space in the closet."

"So where do you expect to sleep?" She scoffed again, and started to pick up her bags.

"I'll show you better then I can tell you." And with that she stormed into my room. My mouth dropped.

"You. Are NOT Sleeping in here!" She sat on the edge of my bed with a pout, and folded her arms.

"Watch me."

"No!" I whined and she rolled her eyes.

"There is more than enough room for me."

"Yeah. But this is my room! My! With a capitol M, Y. And it's not meant to be shared." I replied stubbornly and she took off her jacket. It's like she wasn't even listening. So instead of making a scene, I just groaned and stomped off.

"Fine!" After that I stormed in my bathroom, slamming the door behind me. This just keeps getting better and better.

~•~

I stepped out of the bathroom wearing my pajama shorts and tank top. At first I was gonna go straight to bed, because of how tired I was. That's when I noticed that a majority of the things in my closet was gone. My eyes widened and I looked at Ashlyn who was hanging her stuff up in my closet.

"What are you doing?" I asked impatiently and she smiled.

"Putting my things away." I stood there really confused until she finally finished. Then sat down indian style on my bed. "I'm done!" She chirped, and I looked inside it.

"Where... Is all of my stuff?"

"I put it where it needed to be." I blinked. Not once. Not twice. But three times before asking.

"And where exactly is that?" She shrugged.

"In the garbage," She said, like it was the most normal thing ever. And all I could do to keep from stabbing her countless many times was scream. So I did. I could see her trying to hold in her laugh, and that only made it worse.

"What am I supposed to wear to school tomorrow!?"

"I did save some of the cute stuff," she got up and came to the closet. She pulled out a shirt of mine that was decked with rhinestones. "see." She smiled innocently and I snatched it from her.

"A shirt!?" I asked angrily. Waving it in her face. "You-you kept a shirt!?" She grinned and nodded. "So I'm just supposed to wear this shirt tomorrow?"

"No."

"Oh? Did you have something else in mind?" She shook her head 'no' and I threw the shirt on the floor. Turning back to the closet, I sighed. "And what? Did you bring your whole closet?"

"Trust me honey. That is NOT my whole closet. That's not even the half of it." She corrected. And I'm ashamed to say, I actually believe her.

"But you're only staying three. days! That's enough clothes for a world tour!" I pointed out and she shrugged.

"I need all of it though," she said, then she closed the closet door. "but enough with this. You need to spend more time trying to figure out where you're going to sleep." When she said that, I pretty much jumped out of my skin.

"I need to WHAT!?"

"Seriously Emma. I'm not sleeping in the same bed with you." I did a double take and then breathed to calm down.

"Okay. You can have my closet. And you can turn my bathroom into a god danm boutique. But you most certainly are not kicking me out of my own bed. And that's a fact." She rolled her bright blue eyes and I put my hand on my hip.

"Okay, first off. I wasn't going to turn your bathroom into a boutique. And secondly. You oughta be glad that something that wasn't brought at your local thrift store is in your closet." My mouth. Dropped. This is some really fucked up shit! I must have been a TERRIBLE person in my other life, because I am sure as hell paying for it now.

I was boiling with anger by now. And she was just staring at me curiously with that damnable smirk on her face. Her close observation was killing me! That's when I just flipped.

"You!" I growled through gritted teeth. "Are impossible! You may think that this is funny or something. But I have just about reached the end of my bull shit tolerance policy! So surprise, surprise, your god danm self! The joke is on you!" I yelled. And her eyes went freakishly wide. Then I took a deep breath and walked over to the bed calmly. "Now," I started. "we will share the bed. Or you can get your skinny ass on the floor." I stared at her waiting for an answer. She just blinked in reply. "How does that sound?" I asked in fake enthusiasm. She sighed and then started to pull back the blanket.

"Fine." She stated simply and I walked over to the door, shutting it, and cutting the light off.

She started to lie down on the left side of the bed - Jake's side of the bed - and I gasped.

"No! Don't sleep there! Sleep on the other side!"

"What does it matter what side I sleep o-"

"It matters to me, okay?" I cut her off, my anger increasing. I think I'm mad at the world now.

"Again. Fine." She huffed and then went over to the other side. That side still smelt like him, and I didn't want her to ruin it with her disgusting, expensive perfume.

I crawled on the left side. I couldn't help but laugh when she started chucking pillows between us. Then the inevitable happened. She picked up Jake's iPhone and started to smile.

"What's this?" She started, sarcasm dripping in her voice. I sat up, shaking my head. "Emma has a phone?" She looked at me and giggled.

"Give it to me now!" I demanded holding my hand out, and she shook her head.

"Nope." She said, turning it on. "And wow! Looky what we have here!" She flashed the picture of Jake and I blushed profusely. "Emma has a crush! How sweet!" If only she knew. I thought.

"It's not mine. It's Jake's." I muttered embarrassed, and she scoffed in disbelief.

"And why would Jake have a picture of himself?"

"I don't know." I said impatiently. "Maybe he's conceited or something." Then she laughed.

"What's the password?" She asked and I rolled my eyes.

"I don't. Know. And even if I did I wouldn't tell you." She stared at me skeptically, and I sighed dramatically. I am tired, frustrated, and annoyed. And this hell sent day just won't end! Why can't she just leave me alone? "Ashlyn. Just give me the damn phone before I punch your face to the wall." She huffed and then handed it over.

"Somebodies grumpy," she mumbled lying back down and I did the same. This has been thee worst day of my life! God hates me. There is no other explanation.

I sighed removing my glasses, and putting them on the table beside me. I had a raging headache that started all the way from this morning at the diner, and doesn't seem to be letting up now.

I guess all that's left to do today is make a choice. And that's easier said than done, I guess. What am I gonna do? I feel like I'm caught between a rock and a hard place. It'd be so much easier if I knew how Noah felt.

I sighed and started to weigh out both options in my head. There is Noah. I know I love him, but I don't know if he feels the same. And so if I choose him, I'll always be functioning between maybe and maybe not. And if it turns out he loves me too, and we don't end up happy in the end. Then I'll always be wondering "what if?" What if, I chose Jake? Would I be happier? I don't wanna live that way. And I most certainly am not gonna bury myself in regret, knowing full well that no one gets a second chance.

Then there's Jake. Beautiful, unattainable, Jake. He gets on my nerves so much. With his horrible singing, unexpected kissing, and irritating need to get what he wants, when he wants it, no matter the cost. I know that I'll never regret being with him. Ever. Not even if we don't last. Because I know for certain, he would have made it worth it.

Thinking about him only made it worse. I couldn't sleep. Not without his arms around me. Not that it could have been in the first place. I guess I just get used to things too quickly. I mean, he was here last night. Its strange how. He was here, and now he's not. It made me feel kinda sad. And empty. Like a huge piece of me was missing.

Sighing deeply, I curled up into a fetal position, and suffering from a terrible loneliness. I inhaled the sweet smell of lemons and after shave, that was left by him. Imagining him holding me once again. The smell comforted me like a passionate kiss from the owner himself. And with that thought on my mind I smiled a little, and drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

~•~

"Say cheese!" I groaned and then heard the flash of a camera. I sighed and sat up slowly. Then heard another flash. That's when my eyes shot open. I only saw a shade of Ashlyn standing in front of me, but I could clearly see the camera she held so close to my face. I screamed and then pulled the cover over my head.

"What do you think you are doing?!" I yelled and she laughed loudly.

"As you can see. You-you can see right? I'm taking pictures of the hot mess we like to call Emma." I groaned seriously loudly, and then buried my face in the pillow.

"I am going to kill you!" Her only response was more laughing.

"Wait until I show these to everyone in school!" She said excitedly, and even though she couldn't see me I rolled my eyes. I could hear her going into the bathroom, and I waited until I heard the door close to come back up. I pulled my glasses on, and started to make the noises you make right before you cry. Why is this happening? What did I do to deserve this?

I stood up and glanced at myself in the mirror. Wow. I mused. She got some good ones. If anyone sees those pictures, I might as well kiss my social life goodbye. I threw my hair into a loose ponytail, and then picked up the one shirt that she left for me. I stared down at it and then shook my head. This is rediculous. I swear. I cannot believe she threw all my clothes away. You just wait until I tell my mother! That's when I had the most brilliant idea.

"Ashlyn wants to play, huh? Then let the games begin." I muttered to no one in particular. I walked over to my closet. I pulled out a pair of designer shorts and rolled my eyes. Does she really need shorts that are by a particular person? They seem all the same to me. But what made them perfect is that they were brand new. They even had the tag on them! $140. Seriously? I mused. Okay this is completely idiotic. Her parents are insane! Though I have to admit, they were pretty cute.

I slipped on the tank top, and the shorts. Then brushed my hair, and nodded approvingly at myself. I actually look pretty! Ha! Your little prank just back fired. All I want her to do is come out of that bathroom so I can see the look on her face when she sees me in these.

I had just finished tying my black high tops, when she came out of the bathroom, smiling brightly. I stood up quickly and she looked over at me.

"Hello, loser! How are you on this lovely mor-" Then I smiled when she stopped talking and looked me over. "What. Are. Those?" She asked horrified, pointing at the shorts I was wearing. I smiled sarcastically, and did a little twirl.

"Oh you mean these?" I asked sarcastically, pointing at them. Them I shrugged. "I don't know. Just a little something that I found laying around."

"Those are my brand new Figgaruchi's!" She exclaimed and I started walking towards the bathroom. "Why are you wearing them!?"

"Because they're cute," then I started grinning like crazy. "and I put them where they needed to be." I stated innocently. And she scoffed folding her arms, and rolling her eyes.

"And where exactly is that?"

"On me!" I shot before slamming the bathroom door in her face. Paybacks a bitch!



Within an hour we were both dressed, and ready for school. I was sitting at the table feasting on a piece of toast, and Ashlyn was complaining about the carbs while sitting in front of me eating an apple.

I rolled my eyes and finished buttering my second one. It never really mattered much to me about what I ate. I could eat all day and never gain a pound. I've been tiny my whole life. That is, after all, how I landed my nickname. I starts to bite into it then she gasped.

"Wait! Can you drive?" She asked curiously and I shook my head. "No?!" I gave he a look that said 'duh' still stuffing my face. "Then how do you get to school every morning? Your parents are no where in sight." She said, stating the obvious.

I just shrugged and she looked at me, as if trying to figure something out. I packed the last bit of toast in my mouth and gulped down all my orange juice. "Why can't you drive yet?"

"There was no reason to before. Noah used to drive me everywhere." She sighed softly and I tilted my head to the side slightly.

"Well... We're going to the same place, I might as well take you." With that she stood up and grabbed her bag off the table. "Come on you little dud. We're gonna be late." Then she just stalked off without a word. I smiled, mostly to myself. Wondering if this is what it's like to have an older sister who hates you.

We pulled up at school and she dropped me off at the front door. I turned to say goodbye and she raised a brow.

"If you tell anyone about this. And I do mean ANYONE! I will kill you." And then she drove off. I stared at her silver Mercedes, until it faded away. Then Beth appeared beside me. All decked out in her cheer leading uniform. She threw her arm around me, and I sighed.

"Whats up hot stuff?" She said, and I just shook my head.

"Weekend. From. Hell." I muttered and she laughed.

"Seriously? Because Hazel told me that Jake was over and that she was sure something was bound to happen between you two." I scoffed and then walked through the doors.

"Boy. Was she right." I stopped at the front door and Hazel walked up to us.

"Who was right about what?" She asked, clearly confused.

"You."

"You." Beth and I chanted simultaneously and Hazel smiled.

"Are you and Jake together?" She asked in a sing-song voice, wiggling her eyebrows. At first I just stared at her. With less expression than a brick. Then out of the corner of my eyes. I saw him. He saw me too. But he only stared at me for a second before looking down at the ground. That one simple gesture almost brought tears to my eyes. I sighed, and started pasting from foot to foot. Feeling slightly uncomfortable.

"Can we please just talk about this later? I'm. Really not in the mood." Her face fell and she pouted.

"Fine. Come on Beth. Let's go to our locker." She grabbed Beth's wrist and then starts to walk away. She stopped and turned around, pointing to me. "And you! We will have words." And with that she started to back away.

I looked down at my feet, and sighed. I hate everything. It would just kill the earth to be fair, or simple, or even easy. I started to walk not once looking up and bumped into someone. I almost fell to the floor, but they grabbed my shoulders keeping me up.

"Sorry," I mumbled, trying to balance myself. "I wasn't looking, I didn't mean t-" Then I looked up. My eyes widened and I backed away from him. "Oh. Hi." I said softly, looking down. Needing to look anywhere but at him.

"Hi Emma." He chuckled and I bit my lip. Still looking down. I don't know why, but I felt really angry with him. It's just that what Jake said yesterday actually made sense. "Still clumsy as ever I see. I guess that never changed." He laughed quietly and I couldn't help but smile. I shook my head softly and looked up at him. He was smiling sadly at me.

"That's just like you..." I trailed off, laughing through my nose. "to blame this on my clumsiness, even though you were looking. And I was distracted." He laughed softly, shrugging.

"Well. You know me. I never have been one to be responsible for my actions." I half scoffed and half laughed.

"A simple sorry would have done it." I said sarcastically. And I don't say "I thought I did know you. But obviously I was wrong." He laughed and then shoved his hands in his pocket.

"Well. Here goes." He starts and I look at him, raising a brow. He stared deep into my eyes and let out a long sigh. "I'm... I'm sorry Emma." I was both shocked and confused. That's when the bell rung, initiating that first period was starting. He nodded a goodbye. But I was left speechless. I couldn't help but think that that apology went a little deeper then a bump in the hallway.

~•~

I sat down at the lunch table, stabbing my tacho with a fork. I was so out of sorts all day. I barely heard what anyone was saying. All I could think about was Noah this. And Jake that. Oh gosh.

I always hated Bella for choosing Edward over Jacob. I just couldn't understand how she just went back to him right after he left her. Jake was there for her all the while but she just couldn't let go of perfect Edward Cullen. Now. I sort of understand. Because look at me.

I know I probably shouldn't be comparing my small life to hers, but I have good reason to believe. She wouldn't mind. I should just choose one of them and get it over with. Or better yet. Don't choose. At least it'll be a choice. I stared up at Noah who was talking with his retarded buddy Ian.

This is how it is with him. Even when we were talking, this is how it was. Me watching him from my mental pavement. All I ever felt was lonely. He only loved me when he could. I don't deserve, let alone want, someone who only loves me when they can. I need someone whose gonna love me always. Someone like Jake.

I know in the end I'll probably end up with neither of them. See, I've got a tight grip on reality. And I know that love never last, and nothing is for certain, and blah blah BLAH. But I can't... I can't let go of them. Not yet.

"...Emma!" I only heard the faint voices of my friends in the background, but I wasn't paying any attention. There is no telling how long I've been in lala land. Then I heard Hazel grumble impatiently. "Em! Will you please go get me some ketchup. I looked up, and stopped my hand, mid-stab. My eyes widened and I looked from Hazel, to Beth, and then back to Hazel again.

"Huh?" She lifted up her fry and then bit it.

"I need ketchup." She said flatly.

"Oh. Okay." And with that I got up and headed to the stand of condements. I picked up a pack of ketchup, and then decided that I needed more, so I dug up a pile in both my hands. I heard a familiar chuckle and then smiled.

"Easy tiger. What are you trying to do? Steal it all?" I laughed turning to face him, and smiling brightly.

"Hi, Devin."

"Hey. You want some help with that?" I emptied one of my hands out and then shook my head.

"Nope. I've got it all under control." I stood up straight and then smiled at him reassuringly. After all the chaos I had to endure this week, it was nice to see a friendly face. That's when his expression turned serious and I got this horrible gut feeling.

"Hey, Emma. I wanted to ask you something." My eyes widened and I stared at him. He looked at me expectantly and I nodded numbly.

"Okay," I said, clearly unsure. What could he possibly have to ask me? The only thing I know about the guy is his name, and little things that I picked up over the month.

"So... Okay. Here goes." He gulped awfully loudly and I raised a brow. "I was wondering. Maybe. You know if you feel like it..." then he trailed off. Oh no. He's gonna ask me out! The LAST thing I need right now is another guy in my life. "I mean, I wanted to ask if-" I rolled my eyes and sighed. Cutting him off.

"Listen. Devin. I'm flattered. I am but... I just really don't have the time for dating right now. You just caught me at a horrible time." He stared at me confused, and I have to admit that is one helluva look on him. Then he blinked. Twice.

"Wha-"

"I know how it feels to be rejected. So don't take this personally. It's not you. Actually it's... Not really me either. It's more of them. Bu-"

"Emma! What are you talking about? Who is them?"

"Noah and Jake duh!" Then he flat out laughed. I stood there both confused and slightly impatient.

"You... Think I'm... Asking you out?" He choked out between laughs and I gasped.

"Why is that so funny?" I asked him angrily and he stopped laughing. Still chuckling softly he stepped closer to me.

"Emma, I'm not asking you out! That's just... No!" Then he started laughing all over again. Not only was I embarrassed by this, but I was also blushing like crazy. And what made it ten times worse is that he was laughing about it.

I cleared my throat dramatically and he stopped laughing immediately. He looked up at my sour expression and then flinched for some unknown reason. "No. I'm not asking you out. That's just..." He trailed off and the look on my face told him clearly to shut up. "...I'm sorry. I'm really not."

"Well why not?" I asked upset and he shrugged. "What's wrong with me?" I asked in all seriousness, and he shook his head profusely.

"N-nothing! You're very beautiful Emma! I just... I wanted to ask you to ask Hazel if she'd like to go out with me." I scoffed and put my hand on my hip. I was BEYOND offended! I was mortified ! How dare he walk over here, with all that pride and fix his mouth to say that? What do I look like? Then I bit my lip and sighed.

"I can't do that Devin, I'm sorry." His face fell and I felt like a terrible person.

"Oh. Okay. I understand."

"I mean, I can't do that because Hazel doesn't like shy guys. And having me ask her for you is a definate no." He nodded in realization and I actually felt kinda sorry for the guy. Hazel will probably hate me for this but. Whatever. She'll thank me later.

"But..." I started and he looked at me hopefully. "You could ask her yourself. We're going to the mall tomorrow. Maybe being out of school will help boost your confidence." I smiled reassuringly and he grinned like an eight year old on Christmas morning. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight and shake my head. Then he picked me up in a bear hug and I laughed.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you Em!" He spun me around and then stopped. He peered over my shoulder and then I peeked over my shoulder to see what he was looking at. Ian was walking over to us like the hulk and I laughed, turning back to Devin. He looked at me and smiled. "I would seriously kiss you right now..." he looked back at Ian and then at me wide eyed. "but I don't have the time." He put me down and I smiled.

"Well we'll be there at three so don't be late, k?"

"Roger that." Then he started to walk away. But within seconds he was back by my side. "I almost forgot. Don't I need your number? You know. In case I get lost or something?" My eyes widened at the realization that I don't have a phone. And then I pulled out a marker from my purse.

"Here," I handed it to him and smiled. "just put your number here." I held out my hand and he laughed.

"A little old fashioned but okay." He wrote his number on my hand and handed my marker back. "Well, gotta blast." He saluted me and I mock saluted him back. Laughing I went back to the table and gave Hazel her ketchup.

"Congrats Em. I am officially a hundred years old," she said sarcastically and I rolled my eyes.

"You could've gotten it yourself. Then we wouldn't be having this conversation." I shrugged siting back down and Beth laughed.

"You two are rediculous. What took you so long?" I shrugged picking up my fork and resuming my previous actions.

"Stuff." She laughed and Hazel threw a piece of ice on the floor. For what? I don't know.

"What kind of," Hazel started and looked at me. "stuff?"

"Oh, nothing important. Trust me." I smiled and she raised a brow. We stared for a while before Beth cleared her throat and asked.

"Hey, are you ever going to tell us about this weekend from hell?" They both looked at me expectantly and I sighed. I put my fork down and leant back in my chair.

"Yeah. You've been somewhere else all day. I even made a kinky comment about Mr. Throe's butt in class today, and you completely ignored me." Hazel said that I just shook my head.

"I honestly don't know where to start." Hazel snorted and rolled her eyes.

"The beginning. Obviously." And so I did start there. I told them what happened all that Friday night, then the next day, then how he spent the night, and made a big deal out of inserting that nothing happened. Then I told them about the diner, and the phone. And then about how my mom wouldn't let me take it because I had to go home and prepare for a certain house guest. Then I told them how the house guest turned out to be Ashlyn. All the way up until now.

At first they both just sat there all speechless and shocked. Then Hazel blurted out, "Jake has biceps? Who would've thought?" I narrowed my eyes at her and Beth laughed.

"That's all you picked up? Out of all of that? The logical question would be are you okay." Beth said that, looking directly at Hazel. I just shook my head and sighed.

"But Beth!" She started to argue. "That little piss pong has biceps." I looked at her questioningly and Beth shook her head disapprovingly.

"Piss. Pong?" She repeated slowly and Hazel shrugged.

"What's a piss pong?" I asked and they both looked at me.

"You don't know what that is?" Beth asked slightly shocked and I shook my head 'no' Hazel rolled her eyes clearly annoyed.

"It's a damn penis." She shot and I waved my hands dismissively.

"Okay. But... Piss pong?" I asked, and Beth groaned.

"Okay. The next person that says that is getting food thrown in their face. And Hazel you started this." I rolled my eyes and sighed.

"Whatever. I've got bigger things on my mind than penises and... piss pongs." With that I grabbed my bag and got up from the table. Beth and Hazel continued to argue, and I just left. I really didn't want to talk about it to begin with.

Hazel and Beth begin to bicker about whatever and I just shook my head. I'm cursed with insensitive friends. The end of lunch had came, and within seconds everyone was scurrying around trying to gather up their things and get to class.

I walked up to the door, that led to the place known as. Science. My heart was beating a tattoo in my chest. I wasn't ready to face Jake. I just didn't know what to say. I mean, there is nothing to say. I reached for the door and was stopped by none other than Jake Avery himself.

"What are you doing?" I asked impatiently an he sighed.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" He scoffed and I rolled my eyes.

"Besides making us late?" I shot sarcastically.

"You have something that belongs to me. And I want it," he said impatiently. I was highly offended by his lack of sorrow. Wasn't he supposed to be sad or something? And what is with his attitude?

I scoffed, folding my arms. "Well, when you put it that way. You just might not get it."

"Is that so?" He scoffed and I nodded.

"Yeah. It is." I said matter-of-factly and then he smirked.

"Fine." With that he brushed past me and into the classroom. What the hell was that? I mused. Without another thought I walked in. I took a seat beside him and he looked at me with that sly smile in his face.

I raised a brow and then started to look through my book bag for our homework. But it was gone. It wasnt here at all! I looked through all the papers and crap, but still didn't see it. That's when I remembered he put it in his car that day. He was gonna take it home and make sure is was - and I quote - "teacher approved. "

"Um..." I trailed off not really wanting to infuriate him. "Jake?" He sighed, and then smiled at me.

"Emma?" I didn't like the way he was smiling at me. But I just shrugged it off.

"You did bring our homework. Didn't you?" I asked and he cleared his throat and then started humming as if trying to think.

"You know what. I have no idea. At first, I thought it was in my locker, then I remembered I put it in my bag, but it turns out. I left it in the car." He stopped talking and laughed sarcastically. "Then again. I Could have left it at home," he shrugged and then folded his arms behind his head. "but I guess you'll never know." My eyes widened and then I looked down at the desk. Why is this happening? Haven't I suffered enough? Talk about déjà vu on the thoughts.

Jake cleared his throat and I looked up at him. "What's that on your hand?" He asked in an all seriousness and I looked down at my hand.

"A number."

"No duh," he scoffed and I sighed. "whose number?" I stared at him in complete disbelief. He is asking me about a number and planning to score me an 'F' all at the same time. Un. Believable.

"Maybe that's just none of your business!" I yelled, all too loudly. Causing a few curious stares.

"So that's how it is now, huh?" He asked and I rolled my eyes.

"No, Jake. That's how you're making it!" I shook my head and bit my bottom lip. He looked at me, with that stupid intense look on his face. All joking aside.

I hated when he looked at me like that. Like he was looking straight through me. I looked down at the desk, not wanting to endure another second of that mind reading look.

"Whatever, Emma."

"Yeah. Whatever is right Jake. I don't understand why you're being this way."

"And what way is that exactly?" He asked and I looked at him.

"Like an ass!" He laughed and folded his arms.

"Oh that's rich coming from you!" I scoffed and rolled my eyes folding my arms as well.

"Just leave me alone. Okay?"

"With pleasure." Mrs. Higgins walked in and all I could think was. I'm screwed.

"Okay class," she started and I slumped down. "I want all of you to turn in your homework. As you know. Exams are coming up. And that counted for Half your grade." I whimpered and then turned and whispered to Jake.

"Please don't do this to me."

"Sorry. I'm an ass, so this is clearly in my nature." He smiled and I felt like crying. My mom is gonna kill me. She made her rounds and then stopped at me and Jake.

"Where is your assignment?" She asked, raising a brow. My eyes widened and I pointed to Jake.

"He had it."

"Is that so?" She asked, and I nodded. "Jake? Do you have anything to say about this?"

"Other then I thought she had it?" He asked with a smile and I could've have choked the life out of him.

"Okay then," she sighed walking back to her desk. "you have until tomorrow to bring it to me. Or you will both be joining me after class, for a week." I glared at him, and he shrugged.

What the hell else does God have to do to finish me off?

~•~

I sighed sitting in the front of the school. Ashlyn had practice so I had to wait for her. I was sitting under a huge oak tree, enjoying the shade. It was cool and breezy. I would have actually liked falling asleep here.

All through class, Jake basically ignored me. I didn't like it. At. All. And he knew it. That's partially why he did it. The other reason was I demanded our homework or he'd never. EVER. Get his phone back. I don't know why but he was just hell bent on us getting in trouble! But I was serious. No homework. No phone. Fair, is fair.

I closed my eyes, trying to enjoy this moment of peace that I had, then someone cleared their throat. I opened my eyes and saw Jake standing nervously in front of me.

I breathed heavily, and rolled my eyes.

"What do you want?" I asked impatiently, and he bit his bottom lip. That alone was enough to make my heart skip a beat. But that didn't make me stop hating him.

"Can I... Can I sit down?" He asked nervously and I sighed.

"Fine." I scooted over so that he would have room, and he sat down.

"Look. Em. I'm sorry okay?" I shrugged and he looked at me.

"Its okay I guess. I'm used to people getting angry with me now."

"But that wasn't right. Or smart. And I'm sorry." I sighed and stared off into the distance. If I had a dollar for every time someone apologized to me. And then another two dollars for every time I actually forgave them. I'd be richer than the Chinese.

"Look, it's really okay Jake. Can you just drop it before we start spitting venom again?" He chuckled softly and I sighed.

"Okay."

"I'm sorry too," I started, and he looked at me confused. "for calling you..." I smiled and leant into him, as if to tell a secret and then whispered. "the 'A' word." He laughed and shook his head.

"No. I deserved it."

"No you didn't. I'm the one being an ass. Only it took me this long to realize it." I started to play with my fingers out of habit and he looked at me. I could feel his eyes on me, but I couldn't bring myself to look at him.

"You're really not. It's just..." He trailed off, and i looked at him, running his fingers through his hair. "I need it to be me, Emma." he almost whispered, desperately and I tried to fight the tears in my eyes. I shook my head and looked away from him immediately. "Why can't it be me?" He asked more loudly and I looked at him.

"Do you think this is easy for me Jake? I haven't had an unrelated thought on this stupid situation for two days! I know you think that I should just make a decision and get it over with, and I want that too!"

"Then what is the problem!?" He yelled. "Because it really is killing me not to know! Just sitting around all day knowing that you have my heart in your hands, and you're not doing anything with it."

"The problem is. I've been trying to figure out who, and what is best for me! You see I've had enough time to figure out what the problem is. It's that I've been wasting all my time thinking about how you'll feel. Or how Noah would feel. But I just neglected to think about how I am going to feel."

Tears started streaming down my face, and I shook my head. "I can't be that girl who tore those brothers apart. I will never be able to live with myself. I'm sorry Jake. But fair is fair, and the truth hurts. I don't care if I spend the rest of my life alone. I choose neither of you." And with that I grabbed my things and walked away.

...............

Well. A super long chapter and a little bit of EVERYBODY !!! Even Noah !

Well ... Tootles .

I gotta go cause ....



IT'S 2AM, AND REALLY SLEEPY !

Hope you like it !!

Bye !